Microsoft has slashed prices of its Surface RT tablet for Australian education institutions by more than 50 per cent, following a worldwide announcement of the scheme last week.
The company formerly announced local pricing for the limited time offer overnight. It will sell the entry-level 32GB model of the Surface RT to schools and universities for $219.
Microsoft will also bundle the Surface RT with a Touch Keyboard Cover for $279 (RRP $679), or a Type Keyboard Cover accessory for $319 (RRP $708).
The education offer will be available until Saturday 31 August.
"For a limited time only, Microsoft is offering education institution customers special pricing on the Surface RT tablet.""Our mission in education is to help schools and universities, students and educators realise their full potential. One way we do this is by offering software, hardware and services at affordable prices to education institutions. Surface RT is a terrific tool for teaching and learning and we want students and educators to have the best technology on the market today."
The stand alone Surface RT tablet regularly retails for $559 on Microsoft's Australian website, though a current promotion has reduced the price by $100 to $459.
Microsoft also sells a 64GB model of the Surface RT tablet, but this model is not part of the education scheme.
In addition to Australia, the Microsoft Surface RT education offer will be available in Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States (including Puerto Rico).
The Surface RT tablet was released in Australia last November. It has a 10.6in display, is powered by the Microsoft's Windows 8 RT operating system and boasts a magnesium case.
